Commedia dell'Arte, Italian for play of professional artists, was a popular form of entertainment in Italy during the Renaissance period (Book, 2000, pg.3). Traditionally the actors in a Commedia troupe each focus on one character, who they play for the rest of their lives. These characters were stock types, meaning that the same characters appeared in every show (Rudlin, 1994, p.189). Commedia dell'Arte has continued throughout the years and has inspired artists of all kinds. Now in the 21st century Commedia continues to inspire and influence artists such as The Marx Brothers, Rowan Atkinson, Mel Brookes, Charlie Chaplin and even the characters and scenarios of the T.V. show, Seinfeld (University of Georgia, 2005, p. 10) However, even though Commedia has influenced and inspired much of the work from the artists above `The Simpsons' is one of the most prominent modern comedies influenced by this style of comedy. This influence can be...